Oak Ridge had a symphony before it had sidewalks. Diverse cultural and recreational opportunities make Oak Ridge a great place to live – all at one of the lowest costs of living in America.

Housing costs are 89% of the national average, while Money magazine lists East Tennessee as having the nation's lowest overall tax burden. Healthcare, transportation and utilities are very affordable and rank among the best in the country.

Recreation

Oak Ridge boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor sports activities including golf, rowing, swimming, tennis, soccer and racquetball, to name a few.

• Oak Ridge is less than an hour from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation's most-visited park, with miles of hiking trails and trout streams.
• Melton Hill Lake is a top course for world-class rowing events. The Oak Ridge Rowing Association promotes the sport, and teams from around the world use the course for Olympic training.
• The Clinch River, which borders Oak Ridge, offers clear, naturally flowing water for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
• Sixteen parks are strategically located throughout the city to be within one-half mile of each residential area.
• The University of Tennessee Arboretum is a 260-acre outdoor laboratory with 800 species of plants in their natural habitat.
• Just 30 miles north is the less crowded Big South Fork National Recreation Area. And 60 miles south is the Ocoee River with its world-class white-water rafting and kayaking course used in the 1996 Olympic Games.

Leisure

• The Oak Ridge Civic Ballet, Oak Ridge Symphony and Oak Ridge Art Center showcase the talents of area professionals and rising young stars.
• Historic Jackson Square is a popular spot with unique shops, antiques, restaurants and the acclaimed Oak Ridge Community Playhouse.
• The American Museum of Science and Energy lets visitors discover firsthand why Oak Ridge was built and the technologies it has produced. The Children's Museum offers dozens of engaging interactive exhibits.
• A mix of locally owned boutiques and major retailers lines Oak Ridge streets.The Tinseltown 14-theater complex offers stadium seating and first-run films.

Healthcare

Methodist Medical Center
Methodist Medical Center is a 301-bed, nonprofit, regional medical facility serving Anderson and four adjacent counties. Its medical staff of more than 175 physicians represents 30 medical and surgical specialties. As the first hospital to receive the coveted Tennessee Quality Governor's Award, Methodist is fully accredited and has received scores of other quality care awards.

Among the medical center's offerings are the Methodist Regional Cancer Center, a state-of-the-art treatment facility that holds the highest level of accreditation possible for a non-teaching hospital; an advanced cardiology services department with the latest technology in bypass surgery, angioplasty, emergency treatment and rehabilitation; and the Wellness Place which offers health seminars, fitness classes and chronic disease supportive care for all ages.

The medical center has recently completed the initial phase of its first major building campaign in 20 years: a $47 million renovation and expansion project designed to enhance customer service and convenience. It includes a new 84,000 square foot east addition, as well as renovation of 84,000 square feet of existing space. Work will continue through 2007.

Mental health services in the area include Ridgeview, a private, not-for-profit community mental health center. The range of programs and services provides individualized care of adults, youth and children. Acute inpatient services for adults, as well as outpatient and administrative services are provided at Ridgeview's facility.

Housing

• From $50,000 to $500,000, homes exist to fit every budget with many falling into the middle-market range of $130,000 to $200,000. Golfing enthusiasts will feel at home in one of our excellent golf-course communities.
• Oak Ridge has a number of established neighborhoods with distinct amenities and close proximity to schools.
• Well-built, World War II-era homes are available at modest prices, and are great for customizing to suit any family's needs. These charming homes of varying sizes are an important part of Oak Ridge's history, and many have been restored.
• New, affordable housing developments are abundant, and a range of properties is available for building custom homes.
• For maintenance-free living, Oak Ridge has a wide selection of condominiums, apartments, rental homes and assisted living facilities.